A LIFELONG Shrimpers fan has landed his dream job working to promote Southend United online.

Callum Bishop, 19, from Leigh, was thrilled to be offered an apprenticeship at his favourite football club.

The Southend United fan is completing a digital marketing apprenticeship at the club and has so impressed bosses with his skills and teamwork he has been offered a permanent post as media and marketing executive.

He is due to complete his Level 3 apprenticeship, arranged through Hockley-based employment and skills specialist Seetec, this month.

Callum, a former student at Seevic college in Thundersley, admits he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do before he saw the apprenticeship advertised and encourages other young people to consider apprenticeship opportunities.

Callum said: “Now I can’t imagine myself doing any other job than media work – and working for the football club is a real bonus. I have really developed my video skills and I took the lead in directing and producing the club’s kit launch video revealing they were supporting Prostate Cancer UK.

“I’ve gained new skills and knowledge of how to shoot and edit the video, keeping it short and using music to create impact.

“When I was offered a permanent contract, I said yes straight away. I’m really happy and my role has already developed.

“I now have more responsibility for website and social media content and have been interviewing new players, as well as doing a lot more design work.”

Commercial head at the club, Rhys Ellingham, said: “Callum has come on leaps and bounds since joining us as an apprentice and has really helped the growth of the club’s digital outreach on the website and social media with his video skills.

“I would highly recommend any employer looking at apprenticeship opportunities for their business as it’s a great opportunity for the employee to gain qualifications whilst learning the trade.”

Encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to choose an apprenticeship is key to this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, which runs until tomorrow.

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities, contact apprenticeships@seetec.co.uk, telephone 01702 208270.

To learn more about National Apprenticeship Week, follow #NAW2019 on Twitter.